Joint Pain: Causes, Concerns, and Care Tips

Joint pain?

Dear Doctor,
I have some questions I would like to ask you.
My boyfriend just enlisted in the military last month and is currently undergoing basic training.
However, after just one week of enlistment, he mentioned that his knee was very painful, making it difficult for him to walk for several days.
Fortunately, he has mostly recovered now, as their physical training often requires them to perform squats and other exercises, but they rarely do pull-ups.
Last week, he discovered that he could not bend or straighten his right middle finger upon waking up, and pressing on the joint of the middle finger is extremely painful.
Question 1: He mentioned that they rarely do pull-ups, so why is there inflammation? Could other exercises also lead to inflammation in the hand?
Question 2: Is this gout, or is it simply joint inflammation?
Question 3: This is my biggest concern.
I have read articles about bone cancer, and since he experiences pain in various areas after training, does this increase his risk of developing bone cancer? Additionally, how can I help him manage his condition? For example, what foods should he eat?
Thank you, Doctor, for your answers.

Xiao You, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/10/16

Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics

Hello, in response to your question, if there is no injury but the fingers cannot bend or straighten, and there is tenderness upon pressure, there are several possibilities:
1.
Trigger Finger: Characterized by resistance when trying to bend the finger, similar to pulling a trigger.
When forcefully bending or pressing the finger, it may suddenly snap into a bent position, but there is also resistance when trying to straighten it, requiring effort to do so or using the other hand to assist in straightening.
2.
Tenosynovitis: Repetitive or heavy-duty activities can easily lead to increased strain on the tendons, resulting in inflammation and swelling.
The characteristics include pain and swelling, with preserved function but a slowed range of motion.
It is not that the finger cannot straighten or bend; rather, it must be done slowly, and it cannot reach the full extent of bending or straightening.
3.
Infection: Rarely, infections of the synovial membrane or tendons can cause swelling in the fingers, leading to an inability to straighten or bend them.
You are very concerned about your boyfriend, and I believe he will be touched by your care.
Based on your description, it is difficult to reach a conclusion, as during training, there are indeed many hand operations involved, making tenosynovitis the most likely cause.
The specific actions that could have caused this include holding a rifle, doing push-ups, or maintaining equipment.
Gout is less likely to directly affect the hands, and the possibility of bone cancer is even lower, so please do not worry too much! I recommend that your boyfriend seek medical attention nearby (at a military hospital or when convenient during leave) to obtain an accurate diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment for a quicker recovery.
Additionally, the concern from a girlfriend is the most effective remedy! Wishing you both sweetness and all the best!

Reply Date: 2005/10/16

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your boyfriend's joint pain and related issues. It's understandable to be worried, especially when it comes to the health of someone close to you. Let's address your questions one by one, and I will also provide some general advice on managing joint pain.

Question 1: Why is there inflammation in the hand if he rarely does pull-ups?
Joint inflammation can occur for a variety of reasons, not just from specific exercises like pull-ups. In your boyfriend's case, the physical training he is undergoing may involve repetitive motions or stress on the joints, particularly if he is doing exercises that require squatting or other movements that engage the hands and fingers. Even activities that seem unrelated can lead to strain or overuse injuries. For instance, push-ups, gripping weights, or even the act of getting up and down can put stress on the joints. Additionally, if he has any underlying conditions, such as tendinitis or bursitis, these could be exacerbated by his training regimen.

Question 2: Is this gout or simple joint inflammation?
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis characterized by sudden and severe pain, redness, and swelling in the joints, often affecting the big toe but can also involve other joints. It is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joint. While your boyfriend's symptoms could suggest a form of arthritis, it is essential to consider other factors such as his diet, hydration, and family history. If he has been consuming a diet high in purines (found in red meat, shellfish, and sugary beverages), this could increase the risk of gout. However, without a proper medical evaluation, including blood tests to check uric acid levels, it is difficult to determine the exact cause of his joint pain.

Question 3: Should I be concerned about bone cancer?
While it is natural to worry about serious conditions like bone cancer, it is important to remember that joint pain in young individuals, especially those undergoing intense physical training, is more commonly due to overuse injuries, strains, or other benign conditions rather than malignancies. Bone cancer typically presents with persistent pain that does not improve with rest, swelling, and sometimes systemic symptoms like weight loss or fever. If your boyfriend's pain persists or worsens, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation.

Dietary and Care Recommendations
To help your boyfriend manage his joint pain, consider the following tips:
1. Nutrition: Encourage a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods. This includes fruits (like berries), vegetables (especially leafy greens), nuts, seeds, and fatty fish (like salmon) that are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Foods rich in antioxidants can also help reduce inflammation.

2. Hydration: Ensure he stays well-hydrated, as dehydration can exacerbate joint pain.

3. Rest and Recovery: Encourage him to listen to his body. If he feels pain, he should take breaks and allow his joints to recover. Overtraining can lead to injuries.

4. Physical Therapy: If the pain persists, it may be beneficial for him to see a physical therapist who can provide tailored exercises to strengthen the muscles around the joints and improve flexibility.

5. Pain Management: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, like ibuprofen, can help alleviate pain and swelling, but he should consult a healthcare provider before starting any medication.

6. Warm-Up and Cool Down: Encourage him to properly warm up before physical activities and cool down afterward to prevent injuries.

If his symptoms do not improve or if he experiences severe pain, swelling, or any other concerning symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention. A healthcare professional can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to his needs.

I hope this information helps alleviate some of your concerns and provides a clearer understanding of your boyfriend's situation. Please feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need further assistance.

Best wishes for your boyfriend's health and recovery!

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